Pumpkin fest spirit will help feed those in need

By Nadine Armstrong

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

The Utata Gallery and Art Centre may be new to the area, but members there are already showing their community spirit. They are asking the public to have hearts as big as pumpkins Oct. 12 and help Feed Nova Scotia fill its warehouse during the areas most distinguished festival, the annual Pumpkin Regatta.

“Their warehouse is almost empty and they need our help; all the help we can collectively give them,” says Utata founder Catherine Jamieson.

As one member takes the plunge to race across Lake Piziquid, the rest of the team will stay ashore with plans to fill an entire pool with non-perishable items. “Yep. We want to fill a pool with food. And we want you to help,” she said.

Sponsored by Aquarius Construction and aided by the generous donation of a 401-pound aerodynamic beauty of a pumpkin from farmer Wayne Knox of Berwick, the support of David Hunter of Avonian Place, and the assistance of Hants West MLA Chuck Porter, she said Utata may not win the race, but “we’d love to win your support for the people who need it most.”

What better way, Jamieson added, to celebrate the event’s 10-year anniversary than for Windsor to show their true pumpkin colors by giving back to those in need. “Our idea is to show all of Nova Scotia just how great this area is by filling a pool with food for the Feed Nova Scotia.

“When you come to the Regatta,” she said, “bring with you as many non-perishable food items as you can spare. Drop them in the pool on your way to or from the pumpkin boat race. We're conveniently located at the finish line so you can't miss us.”

Jamieson noted, “after all, hunger is easy to cure, all it takes is a little food.”

See the Oct. 15 edition of the Hants Journal for a feature story on the Utata Gallery and Arts Centre.